Houston Stadium, World Cup 2026 Arena in the Space City

NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, is set to be a key venue for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosting seven matches between June 11 and July 20. During the tournament, the stadium will be officially known as Stadium Houston, as FIFA prohibits the use of commercial names for official match venues.

The venue is scheduled to stage five group stage games, one Round of 32 match, and one Round of 16 game. With a capacity of approximately 72,000 spectators, it stands as one of the largest and most modern sports arenas in the United States. Opened in 2002, the stadium features a retractable roof, ensuring comfortable playing conditions regardless of weather.

Beyond its role as the home ground for the NFL's Houston Texans, the stadium has a history of hosting major international sports and entertainment events, including the MLS All-Star Game and the Copa America Centenario in 2016. A notable feature is the "Bull Pen," a dedicated seating area for the Texans' most fervent supporters.

Houston's connection to soccer extends beyond the stadium, with the city being a hub for youth player development through the South Texas Youth Soccer Association, which boasts over 100,000 active members. The city, named after General Sam Houston and founded in 1837, is a major U.S. metropolis renowned for its port, railway network, oil industry, NASA's Johnson Space Center, and the world's largest medical complex, the Texas Medical Center.